Flights cancelled, schools closed and millions told to stay amid record gusts, snow and heavy rain

• Storm Eowyn live – latest updates

Flights have been delayed, roads closed and ferry services cancelled as 100mph (160km/h) winds pose a danger to life in parts of the UK on Friday morning.

Rail services were suspended, with rare red weather warnings issued for Scotland and Northern Ireland, after the Met Office said Storm Éowyn was likely to damage buildings, uproot trees and trigger power cuts.

• Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s team reveal parting of ways
• Ainslie says he will consider his legal options

Sir Ben Ainslie has said he is “astounded” after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Britannia team announced a parting of ways with the four-time Olympic champion for this year’s America’s Cup. He also threatened to launch a “significant” legal fight in response.

Ainslie’s crew overcame Italy in the Louis Vuitton Cup series to qualify for the showpiece event for the first time since 1964 last year. However, Emirates Team New Zealand went on to claim the Auld Mug in a 7-2 win in Barcelona last October.

Devon and Cornwall police mount large operation and close off West Hoe Road after one person taken to hospital with serious injuries

Police said they were searching for a suspect after a serious assault in Plymouth left the victim in hospital.

Devon and Cornwall police said officers were called to the West Hoe area at 8.55pm on Wednesday after a person was found seriously injured in the street.

• British former world champion runs out at foggy Fiorano
• ‘I couldn’t be happier to realise dream of racing in red’

Lewis Hamilton described his maiden drive in a Ferrari car as one of the best feelings of his life after he realised a childhood dream by completing his first laps for the Italian team. Hamilton, who turned 40 this month, left his garage at Ferrari’s private test circuit in Fiorano in foggy conditions before posting 30 laps.

The seven-time world champion, who will be paid more than £100m across his new two-year deal with the Italian team, tested a 2023 Ferrari – the latest model he is allowed to use. Hamilton will complete further miles at the Circuit de Barcelona‑Catalunya next week before Formula One’s official three-day pre-season test starts in Bahrain on 26 February.